The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and SM Supermalls have sealed a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed Monday, July 1, 2025, at SM Supermalls Headquarters in Pasay City. The agreement empowers Filipino cooperatives by providing access to high-foot-traffic mall spaces through the SM Weekend Market.
The MOA was signed by Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, and Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, alongside key officials from both institutions.
“This is a historic partnership between the private and public sectors,” said Usec. Raquepo. “We take great pride in this collaboration with SM Supermalls, which represents a powerful step forward in uplifting our micro, small and medium cooperative entrepreneurs. This model partnership will not only provide access to markets, but help elevate the economic well-being of our communities.”
Under the agreement, CDA will endorse eligible cooperatives nationwide to participate in the SM Weekend Market. SM Supermalls will provide space in key mall locations for a minimal fee covering only maintenance costs.
“The SM Weekend Market was born out of a simple but powerful idea—to give farmers and local producers, especially those in cooperatives, the chance to bring their goods closer to the people, in places they wouldn’t normally have access to,” said Engr. Eusebio. “With CDA as our partner, we are excited to open more doors and more mall spaces to co-ops across the country. This partnership will allow more communities to thrive, more stories to be told, and more Filipino-made products to be celebrated.”
The SM Weekend Market is a community-driven initiative giving farmers and cooperatives direct access to high-foot traffic locations, helping them sell fresh harvests quickly and sustainably. By providing accessible weekend selling spaces in designated SM mall areas, the Weekend Market connects local producers with urban shoppers, creating mutual benefits for communities and consumers while empowering grassroots enterprises and boosting local food systems.
